The spatter that is ejected from the melt pool during laser powder bed fusion produces powder particles that are dissimilar from the virgin material. The effects of included spatter particles on the integrity of parts and powder are yet to be fully understood. This work reports upon a detailed investigation of spatter metallurgy and oxidation across a range of laser powder bed fusion systems for Inconel 718. Spatter particles generated and changes to the powder are characterised in-depth and it is shown that this has ramifications within a single build, through particle integration with the powder bed, and future use of powder. The results of this study highlight greater consideration needed for the effects of spatter on part and powder quality. As additive manufacturing of these materials is continually pursued for the manufacture of high-performance aerospace parts, where quality cannot be sacrificed, these particles and materials require a deeper understanding.